Homeless Project Scotland: Vital Work Amid Numerous Issues
Homeless Project Scotland (HPS) has become a lifeline for some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable people. Known for its soup kitchens and emergency shelters, the charity plays a crucial role in a city grappling with a housing crisis and rising homelessness. However, while the impact of its work is undeniable, the charity has come under scrutiny for its financial practices, regulatory compliance, and operational transparency.
One of the most striking aspects of HPS’s operation is its financial situation. According to filings with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), the charity reported an annual income of £933,227, but spent just £484,234. This means nearly half of its income remains unspent, a figure that raises eyebrows when the needs of the community it serves are so pressing
To be clear, charities are encouraged to maintain reserves to ensure sustainability and weather financial uncertainty. However, a surplus of this scale raises questions about how HPS allocates its funds. With Glasgow facing critical shortages in housing and homelessness services, one might wonder why more of this money isn’t being spent directly on services like shelter improvements or expanding the capacity of their outreach.
Financial transparency is a cornerstone of trust for any charitable organisation. For HPS, the lack of clarity on why such a significant portion of its funds remain unspent has sparked scepticism. While the charity has defended its practices, stating that reserves are essential for long-term planning, it has yet to provide detailed explanations about its spending priorities or how it plans to utilise the unallocated funds.
Given the urgent needs it addresses, HPS would do well to improve communication with the public and its supporters regarding its financial decisions. This transparency would not only reinforce trust but also silence critics who question the efficacy of its operations.
HPS’s operational challenges have also added to the scrutiny. In September 2024, Glasgow City Council issued the charity an enforcement notice over its use of a building on Glassford Street as a night shelter. The council cited a lack of planning permissions and non-compliance with Care Inspectorate standards, as well as complaints about anti-social behaviour linked to the site.
The charity has defended its actions, arguing that its services fill a gap left by council and government inaction on homelessness. However, critics might argue that these operational missteps indicate a lack of foresight and planning. Compliance with regulations isn’t optional, and failure to adhere undermines the safety and stability of the services HPS provides
Despite these controversies, it’s essential to recognise the critical work HPS does. Operating soup kitchens, offering advice services, and providing emergency shelter, the charity addresses immediate and life-threatening needs. In 2024 alone, it served thousands of meals and provided countless people with a safe place to sleep.
Founder Colin McInnes has been vocal about the importance of their work, highlighting how their services step in where official support systems fall short. For many of Glasgow’s homeless, HPS represents a last line of defence against the dangers of life on the streets
Charities like HPS often operate in high-pressure environments where urgency takes precedence over formalities. While this can justify certain actions, it doesn’t excuse a lack of accountability. The charity’s financial surplus and planning issues reflect a broader challenge faced by grassroots organisations: balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability and transparency.
If HPS wants to maintain its vital role and rebuild public trust, it must address several key areas:
Financial Clarity: The charity should publish detailed plans for its reserves and demonstrate how these funds will be reinvested into the community it serves.
Regulatory Compliance: Proactively addressing planning permissions and adhering to Care Inspectorate standards will ensure its services remain stable and safe.
Community Engagement: By improving communication with supporters and stakeholders, HPS can reinforce the value of its work and dispel scepticism.
HPS’s situation isn’t unique. Many grassroots charities face similar challenges when managing rapid growth and complex operations. However, its story serves as a reminder that good intentions must be matched with robust practices.
Glasgow needs organisations like Homeless Project Scotland to continue their essential work. But for the charity to truly thrive and expand its impact, it must address its financial and operational shortcomings. For now, the work it does is invaluable—but the way it operates needs to catch up.
